Department of Animal Production, Agribusiness and Economics

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    Comparison of the rehabilitative effects of mechanical and chemical methods of bush control on degraded highland savanna rangelands in Namibia
    (2010) Kahumba, Absalom; ;
    The study was carried out at Spes Bona 207 farm in Hochfeld district, and Neudamm 63 farm in the Khomas Hochland district,Highland savanna in Namibia. The objective of this study was to investigate the rehabilitative effects of mechanical and chemical methods of bush control of an invasive bush species Acacia mellifera for achieving long term rehabilitation of a degraded highland savanna rangelands in Namibia. At farm Spes Bona, three belt transects (50 x 5m2) were laid in chemical treatments and another three belt transects (50 x 5m2) were laid in mechanical treatments. Moreover, the same method was used in the control experiment. At Neudamm farm, a 200 x 100m2 plot with 495 Acacia mellifera treated stumps were divided into 3 sub-plots for each treatment (mechanical, chemical and control). Each sub-plot was further divided into 3 replicates. In each replicate, stumps were randomly assigned key-tags with sequential numbers from 1-55 per sub-plot, for assessment purpose. At Spes Bona farm, the grass tuft density of species Aristida congesta, Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris vigata, Eragrostis rigidior, Eragrostis viscosa, Melinis repens and Melinis villosum was significantly higher (P0.05) in chemical and mechanical than in control treatment. Similarly, the total grass density had greater values (P0.05) high in chemical (36.1 ± 9.6a), and mechanical (31.7 ± 9.7a) than in control (25.7±9.0b) treatment. The soil condition did not show significant difference (P0.05) between treatments. Total density of woody plants was significantly greater (P0.05) in the control than chemical and mechanical treatments. At Neudamm farm exmortality of stumps was significantly higher (P0.001) in chemical than in mechanical and control treatments. On the contrary, coppicing of stumps was significantly lower (P0.001) in the chemical method than in the control and mechanical treatments. Tuft greater values outside the canopy than underneath the canopy
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    Assessment of vegetation diversity and rangeland condition in the Highveld communal grazing lands of Swaziland
    (2011) Mapako, Leslie
    Determination of correct stocking rate based on current rangeland condition still remains a big challenge to livestock farmers. Assessment of vegetation diversity and current rangeland condition was carried out in four communal rangelands, namely Siphocosini, Hawane, Motshane and Nkhaba. The rangeland condition assessment method employed in this study was the ecological condition index (ECI) method. Grass species composition and dry matter were estimated using the point-intercept method and the direct harvest method using a metal frame (quadrat) respectively. Vegetation diversity was high. A total of 16 grass species were identified. Of these, 9 species were strong perennials and the remaining 7 were annuals. In addition, 5 species were identified as highly palatable, 6-moderately palatable and 4-less palatable species
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    Identifying learning styles and technology acceptance of agriculture students: an effort to improve educational effectiveness
    (Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education, 2012) Murphrey, T.P.; Kalundu, S.K.; Jones, W.A.
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    Impact of lifestock on vegetation and soil nutrients around water points in Highland Savanna rangelands, Namibia
    (2012) Mbango, Oscar
    Artificial watering points can have significant ecological effects in typically arid and semi-arid rangelands where permanent natural surface water is scarce or absent for provision of livestock farming in dry lands Namibia. The impact of livestock grazing on the vegetation and soil status was studied along a grazing gradient from watering points in the Neudamm high land savannah area, in both large and small livestock management system during wet season. Eight artificial points were selected for the study. A 600 m transect was laid out perpendicular to the direction of the grazing gradient from watering points, more or less into the middle of each of the livestock grazing camps. On each transect of each grazing gradient seven 20 x 20 m sample plots were laid out at interval distances of 0 m, 25 m, 50 m, 100 m, 200 m, 400 m and 600 m from water points and at each sampling distance on the transect a nested design of 1 m2, 5 m2 and 20 m2 plots were used for sampling grasses, shrubs and trees resulting in a total of 56 plots in the experimental unit plots. All shrubs and trees were identified, counted and recorded. Density was presented for individual shrubs and trees per 25 m2, 400 m2 to a hectare and grass percentage cover in 1 m2, respectively. Plant species diversity was calculated for each plot using the Shannon-Wienner diversity index. The results indicated significantly (P 0.05) lower plant densities, species diversity, richness and evenness with close proximity to water points, than further away from the water points. Significant differences (P 0.05) were observed for soil particle size analysis, pH, ECw, OC, CEC, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na and K contents along the gradient from water points. Thus, this study concluded there are differences along grazing gradient possibly due to livestock impact of trampling and grazing on vegetation and soil nutrients. This negatively influences vegetation composition, structure, richness and diversity around water points. However, no significant difference (P 0.05) in the quantized impacts of grazing and trampling were observed on soil nutrients and vegetation properties by livestock in different grazing management systems i.e. large-cattle and small stock-sheep camps
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    Assessing the potential of using nylon bags in batch analysis of crude fibre and ether extract of livestock feeds
    (OMICS Group, 2012) Ncube, S.; Mpofu, I.
    The objective of this study was to determine the potential of laboratory batch analysis and optimum number of bags to be used. Katambora, veld hay and maize stover were analyzed for Crude Fibre (CF) and Ether Extract (EE) using the proximate analysis procedure but with samples bagged in nylon bags of pore size 60 micron. A completely randomized block design was used with Treatment 1 as the control, Treatment 2 with 1 bagged sample, Treatment 3 with 2 bagged samples, Treatment 4 with 3 bagged samples and Treatment 5 with 4 bagged samples. Results showed that there is a potential to use nylon bags in CF and EE analysis on katambora, veld hay and maize stover. There was an interaction between block and treatment. EE analysis on Katambora showed no significant difference among all treatments but for maize stover and veld hay, treatment 4 and 5 were significantly different from all the other treatments. In CF analysis trial, treatment 2 and 3 did not differ significantly from the control, while treatment 4 and 5 were significantly different from the control for all the diets. It was concluded that there is a potential to do batch analysis with optimum number varying between forage type and component of analysis. The proposed batch analysis is more sensitive with EE than with CF analysis.
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    An assessment of the role of research and extension services for small-scale crop farmers in North-Central Namibia
    (2012) Thomas, Benisiu
    The aim of this study was to assess agricultural research and extension services that are aimed at improving rural household livelihoods in the changing environment in the north-Central Regions of Namibia. The study reviewed various secondary sources or publications and unpublished sources comprising technical reports, books, review papers and maps, all of which were deemed useful based on the role of agricultural research and extension services in north-Central Namibia. The presentations of the results were illustrated by examples from the area of crop production including seed multiplication, animal draught power and crop improvement schemes. The study found sufficient evidence that some research-extension strategies being employed are moderately successful. The main challenge, however, remains to strengthen national farming research or extension systems with an appropriate institutional and coordinating structure, focusing on decentralised participatory and adaptive research and on farm trials.
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    A situational analysis of livestock production in liberia: A case study of Nimba, Bong and Montserrado countries
    (2012) Andrews, Leelia R.
    The main objective of the study was to analyze the situation of livestock production in Liberia. The specific objectives were to analyze the population of livestock in Liberia, to establish the factors limiting the production of livestock in Liberia, to analyze Liberia land use system of the livestock production sector and to analyze the economic impact of livestock production in Liberia. The study was a case study which surveyed three counties in Liberia: Nimba, Bong and Montserrado. Nimba and Bong are in the north and Montserrado in the south respectively. Descriptive analysis was conducted through the triangulation involving both qualitative and quantitative research methods and primary data, well- structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and meetings with the relevant stakeholders. The study findings revealed that livestock production in Liberia is on the increase. However, livestock production in Liberia is limited by factors such as respondents’ lack agriculture training, insufficient infrastructure, lack of veterinary services, insufficient finances, shortage of commercial feed supplements, inefficient and ineffective implementation of Government policies, lack of market and competition from imported livestock produce. The study established that pasture land is largely communal and is continuously used for livestock production. The study found that there is a little extent of application of pastureland management practices. Most of the farmers produce livestock for immediate consumption and sustainable livelihoods and not for commercial purposes. The study recommended that livestock should be included in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs), the public sector should develop and enforce policy and regulatory frameworks for livestock, regulatory capacity of livestock authorities should be strengthened, collective action among smallholders should be strengthened. Moreover, the government should encourage Private or Public-NGO partnerships to deliver livestock services to livestock farmers.
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    Coping with Climate Change Challenges by Feeding Indigenous Chickens under Intensive Systems in Namibia
    (OMICS Group, 2012) Petrus, Ndilokelwa P.; Mpofu, I.; Shikongo-Nambambi, Martha N.
    Floods that have hit Northern Communal Areas (NCAs) of Namibia in recent year pose feeding and other challenges to indigenous chicken. Indigenous chickens constitute a major source of livelihoods among rural farmers. The objective of this study was to determine the potential of intensive feeding of high and low plane of protein nutrition to indigenous chickens as one way of coping with environmental challenges caused by annual floods in the NCAs. Adequacy of protein inclusion in the diet is a viable option for improving the growth of small rural owned chickens. Two hundred and four indigenous chickens were subjected to two levels of plane of nutrition namely high and low plane of protein nutrition. At the low level, the protein was 18% in the 1-8 week age group, 16% in 9-22 week age group and 12% in the 23-36 week age. Feeding at high plane of protein nutrition was as follows; 23% in the 0-8 week age group, 20% in the 9-22 week age group and 16% in the 23-36 week age group. The control group was fed according to the Namibian poultry industry standards. The results showed significant and highest responses between the treatments in weeks 1-8 of age. Between 9-22 weeks, chicken mortality lowest at 5.6% in the high plane of nutrition group compared to 14.4% in the low plane of nutrition. The birds in control group consumed significantly (P<0.05) less feed than those fed with the high and low protein diet. Intensive feeding has a potential of alleviating nutritional stress of indigenous chickens under adverse environmental conditions. Farmers however, have to respond by cropping more intensively for the feed resources to be available.
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    Determination of nutritive values of browsable plants utilised by cattle during the dry season in Sibbinda constituency of Zambezi Region - Namibia
    (2013) Kasale, Fabian
    This study was conducted in the Sibbinda constituency of Zambezi region in Namibia to determine and contrast the nutritional values of available browsable plants and to recommend and promote the use of these browsable plants and plant parts as cattle feed supplements during dry seasons. In depth focus group discussions and interviews were conducted to glean indigenous knowledge on how cattle utilize the browse in- situ. A total of 200 households from the Sibbinda constituency were interviewed through a questionnaire to identify locally important browse species. Besides that, cattle were followed and observed while grazing and browsing undisturbed .This was done to confirm and validate the indigenous knowledge obtained from focus group discussion with communal farmers in the Sibbinda constituency. The palatability was determined through a structured experiment were the browse was offered in feeding pens. The palatability trial revealed contrast in the palatability of leaves and pods browsed by cattle during the dry season in Sibbinda constituency. Browsable tree and shrub leaves were collected for botanic identification, chemical composition analysis and feed evaluation. A total of 10 different browse species were identified. Ranking analysis revealed the following five browse species as the most common ones in order of importance; Acacia erioloba, Dichrostachy cinerea, Guibourlia coleosperm and Colosphospermum mopane. The chemical composition, digestable energy, metabolisable energy and the digestibility were compared by F-Test using the SPSS software version 21. The crude protein (CP) values of the edible components ranged between 9.4 to 27.2% and were significantly different (P<0.05) across browse species. The crude fibre (CF) content was also significantly different (P<0.05) across species and CF values ranged from 14 to 36%. The total digestible nutrients (TDN) also differed (P<0.05) with a range of 53-72%. Nitrogen values ranged from 1.51% to 4.37 (P<0.05).Generally the differences in chemical composition between different browse species were significant.
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    Investigation of biting and non-biting flies as vectors for Bacillus Anthracis in Etosha National Park, Namibia.
    (2013) Nalisa, Mwangala
    The role of flies in the spread of anthrax, an animal disease caused by the spore-forming pathogen Bacillus anthracis, have been reported as far back as the early 1900s. Studies have implicated flies from families of Tabanidae, Muscidae, Calliphoridae and other dipteran species. This study was undertaken in the Okaukuejo area of ENP to establish the role of biting and non-biting flies that may act as vectors for B. anthracis; and at what concentrations of Bacillus anthracis do they carry and also to determine whether isolated strains of bacteria contained bacteriophages. For this purpose non-biting flies were collected from anthrax positive carcasses using a makeshift trap and analysed on TSPBA after being disinfected and squashed in 0.85% saline. Isolated strains were analysed for the presence of phages and vegetation containing fly excretions was collected. Nzi fly traps were used to collect biting flies. These results show that non-biting flies found belonged to Calliphoridae and Muscidae families the most abundant biting flies were from Tabanidae family. Of the 110 non-biting flies analysed from positive carcasses 25.4% were positive for Bacillus anthracis. The maximum concentration found in an individual was 4.0 x103 CFU/fly. There was no correlation between fly species and concentration of spores within flies. Non-biting flies mean spores were statistically equal to parenteral LD50s of Impala [100; 250] but were too low with respect to oral doses LD50s of horses and of impala. No bacteriophages were isolated from B. anthracis strains. Flies of families Calliphoridae and Muscidae can act as mechanical vectors in ENP more likely through parenteral means including myiasis infection; oral transmission via regurgitation and defecation on leaves could not be established. Biting flies as vectors of anthrax needs further investigation. Measures that control fly populations during anthrax outbreaks may be considered.
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    Performance of broiler chickens fed Pearl Millet as an energy source and Acacia Karroo leaf meal as an additive.
    (2013) Hafeni, Sesilia
    This study was undertaken to determine the performance and meat sensory attributes of broiler chickens fed with Pearl Millet (Pennisetumg laucum) as a replacement for maize, as well as the potential of tanniferous Acacia karroo (A. karroo) leaf meal as an additive on broiler leanness. The optimum level at which maize can be replaced by pearl millet was also determined. Nutritional compositions of pearl millet and A. karroo leaf meal were determined using the standard Association of Official Analytical Chemists protocols. One hundred and one day old chicks of the breed Cobb 500 were obtained from Namib Poultry Industries and raised on a two phase feeding regime (i.e. starter for 3 weeks and finisher for 4 weeks). During the finisher phase they were fed different treatment diets. In the first trial the treatment diets were formulated such that maize was replaced with pearl millet at levels of 25% (T2), 50% (T3), 75% (T4) and 100% (T5). A standard commercial finisher diet was used as the control (T1). Parameters studied were; voluntary feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), fat pad, breast weight, thigh weight, gizzard weight, meat sensory attributes and preference. In the second trial the standard commercial finisher diet was seeded with A. karroo leaf meal as an additive at levels of 0 g/kg (T1), 5 g/kg (T2), and 20 g/kg (T3), to study the effects on the feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), fat pad, breast weight, thigh weight, gizzard weight, meat sensory attributes. Feed intake was recorded daily while weight gain was recorded weekly. At the end of the feeding trials, 28 broilers were slaughtered at 42 and 49 days old and evaluated for organs weight (thigh, breast, fat pad and gizzard) and average consumer acceptance. The results of this study have shown that the best replacement level of maize with pearl millet was at 50 %. It was however, found that the replacement of maize by pearl millet can be done up to 100% without producing significantly lower performance (P>0.05) compared to the optimum replacement i.e. at 50%. The study showed that feed manufacturers can use pearl millet as an energy source in place of the imported maize. Addition of 20 g/kg A. karroo leaf meal had a tendency to reduce fat deposition. More than 5 g/kg of A. karroo leaf meal may be added in order to improve fat expression. From the sensory evaluation trial, all the treatments did not affect the preferences significantly meaning the optimum levels of using pearl millet (as a substitute for maize) and A. karroo (as an additive) can safely be recommended without affecting the acceptability and preference of the broiler meat produced.
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    Effects of feeding maize-soybean meal based diets with a tanniniferous additive (A. karroo leaf meal) to broiler chickens
    (University of Namibia, 2013) Shihepo, Sesilia; Mpofu, Irvin; Petrus, Patricia
    The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of feeding maize-soybean meal based diets with a tanniferous additive (A. karroo leaf meal) mainly on the fat deposition of broiler chickens under Namibian environmental conditions.treatments were imposed on the finisher stage of maturity. Therefore, research is recommended to test the treatment from day old chickens. Repeated feeding trials on a larger scale is recommended before A. karroo can be safely used by feed manufacturers. The same research should be done with different broiler breeds (indigenous chickens)
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    Growth and carcass performance of broiler chickens when maize is replaced with pearl millet under Namibian weather conditions
    (University of Namibia, 2013) Hafeni, Sesilia; Mpofu, Irvin; Patricia, Petrus
    This study was conducted at the poultry units at Neudamm Agricultural Campus of the University of Namibia. Neudamm Agricultural Campus It determined that a successful broiler production is dependent upon supplying the birds with feed ofthe highest achievable quality, in terms of ingredients used, processing procedures applied as well as the form in which the diet is presented to broilers (Arbor Acres, 2009). There was no study done in Namibia to determine the value of the local PM grains as a commercial broiler feed, as compared to maize which is commonly used in broiler chicken diets by broiler commercial operations. The objective of this experiment was to study the performance of commercial broiler chickens fed pearl millet as a replacement of maize
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    Sustainable solutions to the resuscitation of agricultural cooperatives in Zimbabwe: A case for Manicaland Province
    (2015) Charinda, Lorreine
    Governments promote the use of cooperatives to enhance development of smallholder farmers. However, challenges are inevitable and this study investigated factors responsible for the collapse of agricultural cooperatives in Manicaland province of Zimbabwe, and developed propositions for use on a larger scale. Five cooperatives drawn from Mutasa and Chimanimani districts were chosen using purposive sampling based on overall performance of the cooperatives as main criterion (shown by available records) and management and staff availability. All selected cooperatives were willing to participate in the study and had been operational for more than five years. A qualitative research methodology was used, with focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews for data collection. Participants included members of cooperatives, Agritex officers, field officers from different organizations and management of cooperatives. The performance of smallholder cooperatives was analyzed using the New Institutional Economics (NIE) theories namely transaction cost economics, agency theory, collective action theory and property rights theory. From the outcome, it was found that the general consensus among all participants was that the cooperatives are not sustainable in their current state. The results from the FGDs suggest that majority of respondents do not fully understand the cooperative principles and have high expectations of possible benefits. Due to the fact that some members joined cooperatives in order to access government funding and achieve some political objectives. Participants highlighted lack of skilled management, poor institutional and governance structures as the main problems affecting cooperatives. Results from the in-depth interviews suggest that the performance of the cooperatives was influenced by complexity of market environment and poor policy structures. Conclusion reached is that cooperatives require amendments to the Cooperatives Act of 2005 to promote good institutions and good governance. Also policy interventions are needed such as provision of regulatory framework that would allow competitive market environment in the study area.
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    Screening of indigenous forage legumes as potential fodder crops and protein source for livestock in Central Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2016) Kaholongo, Lukas T.
    The objective of the study was to screen indigenous forage legumes found in central Namibia and evaluate their potential as fodder and protein source for livestock. The growth rate, biomass yield and nutritional value of four indigenous legumes (Otoptera burchellii, Vigna lobatifolia, Crotalaria argyraea and Cullen tomentosum) and four improved legumes (Lablab purpureus, Medicago sativa, Canavalia ensiformis and Vigna unguiculata) were evaluated in a split-plot design with Single superphosphate at varying levels (0, 60, 80 and 100 kg P/ha). Fertilizer application up to 80 kg P/ha increased biomass and 100-seed weight; responses for O. burchellii were however inconsistent. The legumes differed (P < 0.05) in biomass yield; least square means (tons/ha) were: L. purpureus (8.9 ± 0.3), V. lobatifolia (1.5 ± 0.4), O. burchellii (2.5 ± 0.3), V. unguiculata (4.4 ± 0.3), C. tomentosum (5.1 ± 0.4), C. ensiformis (4.0 ± 0.3) and M. sativa (4.7 ± 0.3). The 100-seed weight increased as P fertilizer level increased. The CP, ADF, NDF, ash and calcium differed (P < 0.05). The least square means for CP (% DM) at bloom stage were: L. purpureus (21.9± 0.3), V. lobatifolia (18.9± 0.4), O. burchellii (21.3± 0.3), V. unguiculata (18.9±0.3), C. tomentosum (20.9±0.3), C. ensiformis (20.4±0.3) and M. sativa (26.9±0.3). NDF ranged from 30.5 ± 1.6 to 42.4 ± 1.8 % DM. Phosphorus content was similar (P ˃ 0.05) among legumes. L. Purpureus and the indigenous legumes O. burchellii and V. lobatifolia have potential as fodder and protein source ipso facto could contribute substantially to improving nutrition of ruminants in central Namibia.